No-one will be lost for words: from a multilingual 'speak-dating' session in Prague, to a world café in Sofia, a rap challenge in Åarhus, European languages cocktail bar in Budapest, foreign language poetry evening in Cardiff and a 'linguistic bath' at 30 libraries in Berlin – these are just a few of the highlights of the European Day of Languages, taking place at venues throughout Europe tomorrow, 26 September (see list of events). The European Commission will mark the occasion by hosting a special event in Limassol (Cyprus), where more than 400 delegates will look at ways to improve language learning and discuss the role of languages in a globalised world.

Kroes proposes radical new ways to spend EU research money

Vice President Kroes will today propose a number of detailed ideas about new ways to spend EU research money under the EU's proposed new research programme, Horizon 2020. Around €16bn of the €80bn Horizon 2020 proposal is to be invested in digital technology research, the largest sectoral allocation. Kroes will say that Horizon 2020 is not just about a bigger financial investment but also a new more collaborative approach to research – across disciplines as well as across borders. "If we invest better, we will innovate better, and we will build a better future. The world is changing: the way we innovate needs to change too." Kroes wants to allocate 5% of funds for open, disruptive innovation; prizes for those who solve major problems; more "open calls" and schemes cutting across societal challenges; and earlier links between academics and the private sector to ensure they deliver "real products, real services, real jobs"; finally she supports ring-fencing significant funds for the most high-tech, innovative small and medium-sized businesses ( SPEECH/12/636).

Europeans are increasingly aware of the EU's activities in space. For Galileo, the European GPS system, public awareness is 57% in average, while in 2007 it was 40%. For the Global monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) programme the awareness is 38% whereas it was only 22% in 2009. European Commission Vice President Antonio Tajani presented today in Brussels the results of the Flash Eurobarometer survey on space activities that was carried out this summer. The results were released at the opening of the European Space Expo in Brussels, which already travelled to 3 Members States and will travel to 15 others in the next 18 months.

In the context of the 67th United Nations General Assembly meetings, the European Union co-organised the "Equal Futures Partnership" event on women's political participation and economic empowerment on Monday, 24 September in New York.

The EU has decided to provide additional support to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), which plays an essential role in securing the country on its path towards lasting peace, prosperity and stability. The renewed EU support, will allow AMISOM to continue to fulfil its mandate and to reach its total strength of 17,731, as authorised by the UN. EU support covers costs such as troop allowances, costs of the police and civilian component of the mission, medical care, housing, fuel, and communication equipment.

A new support package for the EU's Eastern Neighbourhood of just over €23 million will help to improve security, boost trade and increase mobility for people living in the region by implementing border management rules and adopting best practices on the Armenian-Georgian and Ukrainian-Belarus borders in line with EU standards.

Transport: Conference on unlocking the growth potential of European Ports, 25-26 September 2012

More than 400 delegates from the port industry, representatives of the clients of ports, port workers, authorities and academic experts will attend today a conference in Brussels to discuss the contribution of European ports to growth, jobs and the competitiveness of European industries. The event will be opened by the Vice-President Siim Kallas Commissioner for Transport. After the Conference, the Commission will open a second consultation phase, inviting all interested parties to submit their positions and further proposals on the possible options for a ports policy review by 15 November 2012. The conclusions of the conference and the results of the two consultations will enable the Commission to conclude an impact assessment study examining the problems and possible policy options at EU level. The final outcome of the Ports' Policy Review is expected in the first trimester of 2013. The Commission will present then its conclusions, accompanied, if appropriate, by a legislative proposal. For more information please see: http://www.portsconference2012.eu/home.html